Arabian Sex Life - Must Know Facts

Explore the intricate dynamics of Arabian sex life, influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. This comprehensive article delves into sexual norms, gender roles, marital practices, and the impact of modern influences and globalization on attitudes towards sex in Arab societies.

Arabian Sex Life - Must Know Facts

Arabian Sex Life - Overview

“I swear by God, there is a genuine need for knowledge on this subject. Those who do not know about sex or make fun of it, are ignorant, stupid, small-minded,” says Dr. Shereen El Feki. “For our ancestors, sex was a source of happiness, creativity, and vitality. Now it is a taboo, and it is problematized in the Arab media.” The medieval Arab writer Umar Muhammad al-Nafzawi, who authored the sex manual The Perfumed Garden, would probably turn in his grave at the sexual mores of today’s Arabs.

El Feki, a Canadian-Egyptian immunologist (University of Cambridge) and award-winning journalist for The Economist and Al Jazeera, spent the past five years taking the temperature in bedrooms across the Arab world—a region spanning 22 countries and numbering 350 million people, where the only acceptable, socially acknowledged context for sex is marriage... state-registered, family-approved, religiously sanctioned marriage. Anything else is ayb (‘shameful’), illit adab (‘impolite’), or haram (‘forbidden’).

The result of El Feki’s quest is a must-read, a One Thousand and One Nights of hard data, polls, and intimate testimonies, well-researched journalism, and a personal memoir. Sex in the Arab world is an enigma, an Egyptian gynecologist explains to El Feki: “It is the opposite of football. Everyone talks about football, but hardly anyone plays it. But sex—everyone is doing it, but nobody wants to talk about it.” Despite this habitual reticence, El Feki was able to explore the substance of contemporary sex life in the Arab world, from Tunisia over Egypt and Saudi Arabia to Qatar.

Across that vast region, the sexual experience is shifting, albeit at a tectonically slow pace. Sexual freedom still defines the West, as the Orient seems stuck in a state of sexual lockdown. Not that long ago, the perception was reversed. In the eyes of the 19th-century West, the Arab world conjured up highly eroticized visions of mystery and loose morals, sensuality, and sex.

“The reality today in the Arab world is far removed from that vision,” says El Feki. “As a Muslim who grew up in Canada, I prefer to think of religion and intimacy as private matters. My book argues for a change along those lines, but within an Islamic context. It would be utter nonsense to argue for a secular sexual revolution in the Arab world. My book does not seek to stigmatize today’s Arabs but instead hands them some talking points, as a start to help change the region’s sexual politics. For this reason, the book has a companion website (www.sexandthecitadel.com), which presents a lot of additional facts and figures on the topics at hand.”

El Feki grew up in Canada, the daughter of an Egyptian father and a Welsh mother. Her Muslim roots fed her interest in the Arab world. “After 9/11, I wanted to understand my Arab heritage better. First, I went to work for Al Jazeera as a presenter. In 2007, I started researching Sex and the Citadel. I’ve combined that research with advocacy on HIV/AIDS, serving as vice-chair of the UN's Global Commission on HIV and the Law (www.hivlawcommission.org), which advocates legal reform around the world, including of laws regulating sexuality. This gave me access to information that is hard to come by in the Arab world because sex research is scarce. Many pressing questions have not been addressed yet, and results often end up locked away in a desk somewhere.”

“Officially it is on a par with the global average—one in eight couples is infertile. But the statistics are not really reliable. How often is infertility actually diagnosed? We do not know. Most women do not talk about sex to their gynecologist, and their doctors are not really open-minded about the subject.”

“Researching sex in the Arab world is far from easy. It is hard to get any insight. Not only because of the taboos around sex, but also because there is no culture of publishing or sharing info. There are hardly any journals writing about sex. Governments sit on the results of the surveys they ordered. There is no culture of transparency. The biggest pool of data about sex comes through HIV research. It was absolutely not easy to get hold of that information.”

“Being able to procreate is so crucial to men’s self-image that they find it hard to accept anything less. Yet male infertility is rampant. Dr. Amira Badr al-Din Mehany, who heads the embryo lab at the assisted reproduction unit of Al-Azhar University (www.alazhar-iicpsr.org/assisted), told me how amazed she had been at the rate of male infertility when she started eight years ago.”

What are the causes?

“Nobody knows for sure. Dr. Mehany told me smoking and pollution are likely causes. Others think the cause may be genetic, due to the high rate of consanguineous marriages, which increase the likelihood of genetic defects being passed on to children. Other possible causes mooted are wearing jeans or exposure to agricultural chemicals. The latter would explain the large number of small farmers turning up at Dr. Mehany’s department. While there are several private IVF clinics in Egypt, a single treatment cycle there would cost more than €1,000—a small fortune. At Al-Azhar, the treatment is a third of that price, and the poor receive further discounts.”

Infertility Treatments in Arab Countries

“Like other bodily fluids, semen is considered ritually impure in Islam. So men and women have to bathe after intercourse. Women shower almost immediately after sex. Infertility specialists advise to wait at least half an hour after ejaculation, which many women find disconcerting. Even more problematic is getting a sperm sample. Many men consider masturbation deeply troubling, as they blame their infertility on it. Most religious scholars consider it haram. So many men have a problem with producing a semen sample, even for infertility treatment. Often, they fail to produce a sample at all.”

Religious limits to assisted reproduction

“Very much so. In Egypt, sperm or egg donation and surrogacy are unacceptable because it can lead to an illegitimate child. Techniques that require a couple’s own gametes—in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, and ICSI—are okay but are restricted to married couples.”

Arab Bedroom

“Having grown up with one foot in the culture, I knew there were a lot of taboos. What I had not expected were the many individuals in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and other countries trying to push the boundaries in so many directions. The creativity and innovation in matters of sex education were remarkable. The glass is not always half empty, I discovered. Sometimes, it is half full...”

“That is what many in the West do not seem to notice. They focus on the problems in the Arab world while many in the Arab world are focusing on the solutions. It is obvious that there are problems, but one of the messages of my book is that the solutions people are finding are okay. The Arabs do know what they are doing. They just do things differently.”

“Quite the opposite, I think. But I do not want to knock people over the head. That is why I did not compare the sexual practices in the Arab world with those in the West or in other parts of the world. Many of my readers will live outside the West, so why always compare to Europe or North America?”

“The background I bring is very useful. And I am not suggesting we go back to a mythical golden age of sexual liberation in our past. It did not exist. But there was more openness. And you do not have to look back to the period of the Abbasid caliphate, but to our own fathers’ and grandfathers’ time. My own grandmother had a distinct lack.0 0 0

Arabian Sex Life: Islamic Perspective

Introduction

The topic of Arabian sex life is multifaceted, influenced by a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and social factors. This article aims to provide an educational exploration of sexual norms, practices, and attitudes within various Arab societies, recognizing the diversity across different countries and communities.

 Islam and Sexual Ethics

Islam, as the predominant religion in Arab countries, profoundly shapes sexual ethics and behavior. The Quran and Hadith provide guidance on sexual relations, emphasizing modesty, chastity, and the sanctity of marriage. Key points include:

Sex within Marriage: Sexual activity is considered a private matter between married couples. It is seen as a means to strengthen the marital bond and fulfill mutual desires.

Premarital and Extramarital Sex: Generally prohibited and socially stigmatized. Virginity is highly valued, especially for women.

Modesty and Privacy: Both men and women are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain privacy in their sexual lives.

Gender Roles and Expectations

Arab societies often have distinct gender roles which influence sexual behavior and expectations:

Men: Traditionally seen as the primary breadwinners and are often granted more sexual freedom compared to women. Masculinity is often linked with sexual prowess.

Women: Expected to be modest and chaste. Their sexuality is often closely monitored by family members.

Marriage and Family Structure

Marriage is a significant social institution, with arranged marriages still common in many areas. Key aspects include:

Polygamy: Permitted in Islam, but not widely practiced. When practiced, it is typically limited to wealthier individuals.

Marital Rights: Both spouses have rights and responsibilities, including sexual rights. A husband is expected to satisfy his wife sexually, and vice versa.

Sexual Education

Sexual education varies widely across Arab countries:

Formal Education: Limited and often focuses on reproductive health rather than broader sexual education.

Informal Education: Knowledge about sex is often passed through family and cultural norms rather than formal education.

Awareness and Health Issues

There are growing efforts to address sexual health issues, including:

HIV/AIDS Awareness: Increasing campaigns to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Reproductive Health: Initiatives to improve women's access to reproductive health services.

Globalization and Media

Globalization and the advent of digital media have introduced new influences:

Western Media: Exposure to Western norms and values through television, movies, and the internet has led to shifts in attitudes towards sex.

Social Media: Provides a platform for discussions on sexual health and rights, especially among younger generations.

Changing Attitudes

Younger generations are increasingly challenging traditional norms:

Premarital Relationships: More young people are engaging in premarital relationships, although discreetly.

LGBTQ+ Issues: Emerging discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, though still highly sensitive and often met with resistance.

Conclusion

Arabian sex life is a complex subject deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social contexts. While traditional norms continue to exert significant influence, modern influences and changing attitudes are gradually reshaping sexual behavior and expectations in Arab societies. Understanding these dynamics requires sensitivity and an appreciation for the diverse experiences and perspectives within the Arab world. 0 0 0

FAQs on Arabian Sex Life

1. How does Islam influence sexual behavior in Arab societies?

Islam significantly influences sexual behavior, promoting modesty, chastity, and the sanctity of marriage. Sexual activity is primarily reserved for married couples, with premarital and extramarital sex generally prohibited and socially stigmatized. The Quran and Hadith provide guidelines emphasizing the importance of mutual satisfaction and privacy in sexual relations.

2. What are the general attitudes toward premarital sex in Arab countries?

Premarital sex is generally discouraged and socially frowned upon in most Arab countries. Virginity, particularly for women, is highly valued, and engaging in premarital sex can lead to severe social consequences, including family dishonor and legal repercussions in some regions.

 3. Is polygamy common in Arab societies?

Polygamy is permitted in Islam, allowing a man to have up to four wives, provided he can treat them equally. However, it is not widely practiced and is more common among wealthier individuals. In many Arab countries, monogamous marriages are the norm.

4. How is sexual education addressed in Arab countries?

Sexual education varies across Arab countries, often limited to basic reproductive health in formal education settings. In many areas, sexual knowledge is primarily conveyed through family and cultural norms. Efforts are growing to improve sexual health awareness and education, particularly among younger generations.

5. What are the societal expectations regarding gender roles and sexuality?

Gender roles are traditionally distinct in Arab societies, with men often seen as the primary breadwinners and women expected to be modest and chaste. Men typically have more sexual freedom, while women's sexuality is closely monitored by family members. Both genders are expected to adhere to modesty and privacy in their sexual lives.

6. How do modern influences and globalization affect sexual norms in Arab countries?

Globalization and digital media have introduced new influences, exposing Arab societies to Western norms and values. This exposure has led to shifts in attitudes towards sex, especially among younger generations. Social media also provides a platform for discussions on sexual health and rights, challenging traditional norms.

7. What is the status of LGBTQ+ issues in Arab societies?

LGBTQ+ issues are highly sensitive and often met with resistance in Arab societies. Homosexuality is generally taboo and illegal in many Arab countries, with severe legal and social consequences. However, there are emerging discussions and some advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly through social media and underground movements.

8. How are marital rights and sexual relations viewed in Arab marriages?

In Arab marriages, both spouses have rights and responsibilities, including sexual rights. Mutual satisfaction is emphasized, with husbands expected to satisfy their wives sexually and vice versa. Marital sex is viewed as a means to strengthen the marital bond and fulfill mutual desires.

9. Are there any efforts to improve sexual health awareness in Arab countries?

Yes, there are growing efforts to improve sexual health awareness in Arab countries. Campaigns addressing HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and sexual rights are increasingly common. Organizations and activists are working to reduce stigma and provide better access to sexual health services and education.

10. What are the challenges in addressing sexual health and education in Arab societies?

Challenges include cultural and religious sensitivities, social stigma, and limited formal sexual education. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach that respects cultural norms while promoting sexual health and rights. Efforts are ongoing to balance these factors and improve sexual health outcomes in the region. 0 0 0